Spaceport Cornwall and National Drone Hub Launch UK Autonomy Project

Spaceport Cornwall has begun work on a major new collaboration with the National Drone Hub to create a unique testing environment for uncrewed aerial systems in the UK.

The project brings together civilian and military airspace to support the development and certification of next generation autonomous aircraft, ranging from small drones to high speed and supersonic uncrewed vehicles.

A first of its kind partnership

The National Drone Hub is operated by WholeShip in partnership with the Royal Navy and is the UK’s first Civil Aviation Authority accredited drone test site. It provides access to a 320 hectare site with four runways and more than 8,000 square kilometres of segregated maritime airspace off the Lizard Peninsula.

This airspace already supports controlled testing and evaluation of drone technologies. The new collaboration with Spaceport Cornwall and Cornwall Airport Newquay will now expand those capabilities.

Extending testing from Newquay

As part of the project, teams are working to establish a Specific Operations Risk Assessment, known as a SORA, at Cornwall Airport Newquay. This safety framework is required for more complex drone operations.

With support from Cornwall Space Cluster funding, the work could unlock access to segregated airspace off the north coast of Cornwall. This would allow Beyond Visual Line of Sight drone testing from Newquay, covering a large area suitable for larger and faster uncrewed vehicles.

📷Left to Right - Alan Pickersgill, National Drone Hub, Steve Gardner, Spaceport Cornwall, Ross Hulbert, Spaceport Cornwall, Dan Stembridge, National Drone Hub, Tom Leckie, Cornwall Airport Newquay, Gary Soar, National Drone Hub

Creating an unparalleled testing environment

Together, the two Cornwall sites would offer a combined testing environment that is currently unmatched in the UK. The aim is to support the development of future autonomous systems across air and space, from early stage drones through to advanced uncrewed aircraft.

Amy Smith, Managing Director at Cornwall Airport Newquay, said: “This joint project combines the expertise of two pioneering aerospace teams in Cornwall delivering national firsts in space and future air systems.”

Helen Stembridge, Director at Wholeship, said: “We are delighted to be working with Spaceport Cornwall/Cornwall Airport Newquay to support and develop this dual use opportunity to benefit the airport, the county and the region.”

Gail Eastaugh, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Cornwall Space Cluster, added: “This collaboration offers an incredible opportunity for us to further cement Cornwall’s place at the forefront of UK space and aerospace operations, and Cornwall Space Cluster is proud to support this groundbreaking project.”

Cornwall’s growing aerospace role

The project highlights Cornwall’s increasing importance as a hub for advanced aerospace technology. It also aligns with Spaceport Cornwall’s wider mission to provide flexible, low cost and safe access to space while supporting innovation across the aerospace sector.

Work on the collaboration is now underway, with Cornwall positioned to play a key role in shaping the future of autonomous flight in the UK and beyond.